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Friday, August 6, 2010

Jean Grémillon - Gueule d'amour AKA Lady Killer (1937)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028966

The English-language title of this French slice-of-life drama is Lady Killer, an apt description of anti-hero Lucien (Jean Gabin). A colonial cavalry officer, Lucien gives his love to whomever he fancies, then forgets about them as he moves from post to post. The one he can't forget is Madeline (Mireille Balin) , and the feeling is mutual. Years later, Lucien is the wretched, embittered proprietor of a rundown Parisian café. Who should come back into his life but Madeline -- a reunion that ends tragically for them both, literalizing the film's title and leaving Lucien even more devastated than before. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide